Data support volunteer roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fundraising events helper
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
You can expect us to
- make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
You’ll be:
· help set up and/or man stalls at events
· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events
Time expectation
This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.
We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.
You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
Applicants will be required to complete an application form, with references.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.
We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals and Count Me In numeracy manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading and numeracy skills.
Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.
We are looking for volunteers who are able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Volunteers do not need to be teachers or qualified traininers, full training will be given. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.
We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.
We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills.
Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.
We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.
We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.
We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills.
Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.
We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.
We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.
We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals and Count Me In numeracy manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading and numeracy skills.
Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.
We are looking for volunteers who are able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Volunteers do not need to be teachers or qualified traininers, full training will be given. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.
We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.
We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills.
Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.
We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.
We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
React Native Developer Volunteer – Join the Movement Behind MVP 2
Unify Giving is on a mission to change everything about giving — how it’s done, how it’s received, and how it’s perceived.
We’re building a world where people experiencing homelessness can receive digital donations with dignity, transparency, and choice — and we’re already live on the App Store. But now, we’re taking it further.
MVP 2 is here.
We’ve added powerful new features to give both donors and recipients the best possible experience — and we need your help to bring it to life.
✨ What you’ll do:
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Join our small but mighty team to help build and release MVP 2 of our React Native app.
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Collaborate with our designers, product leads, and community team to improve UX across the board.
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Work on meaningful features that directly impact people experiencing homelessness.
What we’re looking for:
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Experience in React Native, with solid understanding of mobile app dev (iOS & Android).]
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A belief that tech can be used for real, tangible good in the world.
Why it matters:
This isn’t just another side project. Unify Giving is already being used by real people across the UK. Your code could help someone access food, warmth, or support when they need it most.
What you’ll get:
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A chance to work on a live tech-for-good product.
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Your name in the credits (yes, we mean it).
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Weekly team check-ins, support from our founder, and full creative input.
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A front-row seat to building something that genuinely helps people — and is scaling fast.
Connecting donors directly with individuals expriencing homelessness.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.
We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals and Count Me In numeracy manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading and numeracy skills.
Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.
We are looking for volunteers who are able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Volunteers do not need to be teachers or qualified traininers, full training will be given. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.
We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.
We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals and Count Me In numeracy manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading and numeracy skills.
Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.
We are looking for volunteers who are able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Volunteers do not need to be teachers or qualified traininers, full training will be given. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.
We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.
We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills.
Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.
We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.
We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
St Michaels and All Saints Charities
Role: Trustees
Location: Oxford
Salary: Voluntary role; out of pocket expenses may be claimed and investment in trustee development is provided
About us
St Michael’s and All Saints’ Charities are based in Oxford and comprise several historical charities whose purpose is to support the Church of St Michael at the North Gate in Central Oxford and to award grants to charities and other organisations where appropriate in the City of Oxford and Oxfordshire. The Charities have a long history dating back to the Charter of 1612 under the Great Seal of James I, on display in the Saxon Tower of St Michaels, but are also proud to be able to support both church, city of Oxford and Oxfordshire more broadly in the 21st century and beyond.
The Charities help St Michael’s to continue to be an active church community in the heart of Oxford, with the Vicar acting as City Rector with Oxford City Council and working pastorally with city centre businesses and visitors. The Charities support the upkeep of the church buildings allowing the church to be open every day for personal quiet and for the enjoyment of its historical heritage.
In awarding grants the Trustees (also known as Feoffees) have been able to support local charities over many years which focus on community benefit and relief of hardship, especially those working with the homeless, refugees and young people. These charitable objectives are supported through the income from its permanent endowment which comes substantially, although not exclusively, from property in Oxford.
The Trustees strive to continuously improve the governance of the Charities and are now actively seeking new Trustees to join their dedicated and collaborative board to provide strategic support in their field of expertise and support overall governance and leadership of the organisation.
We are looking for candidates who are willing to develop a sympathetic understanding of the work of the Charities and are experienced in working in an environment governed by a legislative/regulatory framework, be it charitable, non-profit or private sector.
The Charities invites expressions of interest for the following roles:
· Chair Designate of the Board of Trustees; the current Chair plans to retire from the role in 2026
· Trustee who would join the Charities’ Property and Investment Subcommittee.
Our priority is to increase both the legal and financial or investment management expertise on our Trustee board and so applicants should be able to evidence experience in at least one of these two areas.
The Charity has two subcommittees which have delegated authority to oversee various elements of governance and compliance:
· Property and Investment subcommittee which oversees the financial governance of the charity in relation to financial performance, risk and sustainability and property management and investment and ensuring policies, systems and processes are fit for purpose.
· Grant subcommittee that scrutinises governance, systems and processes and monitors impacts and outcomes.
We also ensure that trustees feel supported in their role and offer mentoring to new trustees during their induction period as well as ongoing support and training.
The Charities welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age or other category protected by law.
For full details of this rewarding opportunity and how to apply, please download a recruitment pack.
If you would like to discuss the trustee role before applying, contact Louise Packer, Clerk to the Feoffees.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Sense College Loughborough is a specialist Further Education (FE) college, supporting students between 16-25, who have a wide range of disabilities. We aim to prepare young people to be as independent as possible and help them to achieve their long term goals. We offer different pathways and work with Loughborough College, to help students gain the skills, experience, knowledge and confidence to achieve these goals.
Candidates interested in the role of Lay Governor at college must be able to demonstrate commitment to Safeguarding, Strategic leadership and a passion to Further Education particularly Specialist Education. A understanding of issues facing the post 16 specialist education sector would be desirable. If you feel you have the ability to make a positive contribution to meetings and provide constructive challenge to support senior managers at the college we would love to hear from you. We anticipate that the successful candidates will need to commit a minimum of 4 half days per term to the role in relation to meetings and preparation. The ability to attend other ad-hoc college events and visits would also be very welcomed.
The role of members of the Governing Body is to provide strategic leadership, support and constructive challenge to the college senior management team to ensure that Sense College provides an excellent education experience for all students. The Governors will work with the college senior management to ensure the college offers a broad based curriculum to maximise the teaching and learning experiences of all its students, with demonstrable outcomes. Sense College Loughborough Lay Governors will attend 3 full committee meetings a year, plus 3 extra meetings for their chosen sub-committee. Meetings last from 90 minutes for sub-committees and 2 hours 30 minutes for the full committee, Lay Governors will come prepared and engaged, having done the reading the prior and ready to ask any questions they may have. Governors of Sense College have a varied role encompassing a range of duties. Much of this is undertaken through participation in the full Governing Body meetings and Sense College sub-committees according to a governor`s experience and skillset, and through college visits.
Some examples of governor duties are below, noting that these are not exclusive:
- Reviewing, approving and monitoring the implementation of the Sense College 2022-2025 Strategic Plan
- Approving the final Sense College Annual Self-Assessment Report (SAR)
- Reviewing and monitoring progress and outcomes from the Sense College Quality Improvement Plan (QuIP)
- Reviewing students’ progress and achievements through a range of products i.e. case studies, reports and visits to Sense College
- Reviewing college data against Key Performance Indicators and dashboards.
- Participating in Ofsted inspection meetings on governance to support Sense College and the college senior management team
- Monitoring implementation of safeguarding (SfG) procedures, keeping updated with current SfG legislation and governors Prevent responsibilities
- Monitoring college budget performance with the emphasis on new students referrals funded through the Education and Skills Funding Agency
- Attending and participating in governor training events, student celebrations and college visits
About us
For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.
Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.
Sense values
We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
DIY Skills Advisers (DIYSA) Volunteer
If you’re looking for a varied, hands-on volunteering role that makes a difference in people’s lives while supporting clients to learn new skills, then look no further than this exciting role.
Shelter’s DIY Skills Advisers (DIYSA) help people to gain fundamental DIY skills to build a positive future in their homes after a prolonged period of homelessness, turning a house into a home. They also help people to improve and maintain their homes, often preventing eviction. Referrals to the DIYSA service can be received from both Shelter colleagues and support staff from local partner organisations.
The DIYSA team works with individuals, sharing their skills to enable them to participate in home improvements, teaching them how to paint, wallpaper, build flat-pack furniture and gardening. As well as support for individuals, the DIY Skills Advisers run workshops across the country to bring communities together and upskill those who attend, providing clients with energy saving advice, educating them around cutting costs and improving energy efficiency in the home.
This role is an opportunity to make a real difference to the households we assist. You’ll be developing your own knowledge and skills to assist local people and households with a range of housing disrepairs and challenges as well as providing practical DIY guidance You will gain experience of volunteering within a recognised national housing charity, while supporting your local community.
Suggested Involvement: The role is flexible, however due to the nature of the role, requires you to be available for the day, in accordance with the DIYSA’s diary.
Availability: This volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm
Location: Shelter Birmingham, 38 The Priory Queensway, Birmingham, B4 7LA, however this is a community-based role, visiting people in their own homes in and around Birmingham so travelling will be required.
Supervised by: Volunteer Coordinator/DIYSA
Why volunteer with Shelter?
A home is a fundamental human need, as vital as education or healthcare. But in Britain today, that right is denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. The time for change is now.
As a DIYSA Volunteer, you’ll be supporting the day-to-day work of DIYSA as they provide advice, guidance and skills to households in Birmingham.
Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experience our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering.
We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the advice we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.
Main Tasks include
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Working alongside the DIYSA to provide DIY repairs, teach households DIY skills,
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Accompany the DIYSA, visiting people at their homes, and assessing the repair/skill need
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Painting and decorating
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Gardening work
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Flat pack furniture assembly
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Fitting curtain rails and blinds
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Hanging pictures and shelves
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Supporting the DIYSA with the delivery of community-based workshops in skills such as drills workshops, gardening, energy saving practices and help around the management of mould.
Skills and experience required
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Your main role is to support the DIYSA and help them complete jobs in a timely and effective manner
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You don’t need to have a background in DIY for this role. We are looking for a willing learner who has excellent communication and listening skills
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An interest in supporting and motivating people to make positive changes in their lives through acquiring new skills and interests
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A strong team player who can take on instructions to complete jobs to a high standard
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Enjoys working with others and contribute to delivering an excellent service
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Ability to connect with clients and contribute to the community
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Willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including volunteering, health & safety, equality & diversity, confidentiality & data protection
To enable you take part in this opportunity Shelter will
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Provide a volunteer pack including a Handbook and all Policies and Procedures.
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Provide an induction into your role
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Provide access to our learning on data protection, safeguarding and screen wellness as well as other appropriate role specific training.
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Reimburse “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy.
Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter
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Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness.
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Gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV.
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Meet new people and be part of a great team.
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Build your confidence and develop transferable skills.
Next steps
Please complete an online application for this role by clicking the link to “fill in application”
Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.
Please note, upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and undergo a basic DBS check. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.
This is a voluntary position that supports the work of our services and is not replacing the work of a paid member of staff. This role profile does not form part of any contract of employment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about making a real difference for people affected by cancer? Tenovus Cancer Care is seeking new Trustees to help guide our charity at a pivotal moment in our history.
We’re especially keen to hear from individuals with experience in:
· Finance, audit & risk management
· Digital
· Retail
· Fundraising
· Business / entrepreneurship
· Health inequalities
For over 80 years, Tenovus Cancer Care has been giving help, hope, and a voice to people affected by cancer across Wales. Each year, we support thousands of people through our dedicated nurses, counsellors, and benefits advisors - and with cancer diagnoses rising, our work is more critical than ever.
We are eager to expand our diversity and are committed to building a Board that reflects the broad communities we serve.
A copy of our Trustee Recruitment Pack is attached.
Deadline: 21 August 2025
Interviews: 9-11 September 2025
Deadline: 21 August 2025
Interviews: 9-11 September 2025
If you’re ready to share your skills and time to help shape our future, we’d love to hear from you.
We are here for everyone affected by cancer We offer information, advice and specialist support to everyone who needs it.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are working with the Board of the 31-school River Learning Trust to recruit an individual possessing legal qualifications to bring insight and expertise into its strategic policy and governance framework. This role involves analysing audit outcomes, reviewing data, and contributing to the development and implementation of risk mitigation strategies. The Trust supports around 16,000 young people in the Oxfordshire and Swindon areas and has an annual budget of £100m.
River Learning Trust is a well-established Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) operating for over 12 years, currently comprising 30 schools – 20 primary and 10 secondary academies, primarily located in Oxfordshire and Swindon. The majority of these schools are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
In addition to mainstream provision, RLT operates a multi-site Alternative Provision unit, is a Department for Education (DfE) Teaching School Hub, and manages an Ofsted-approved SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training) – Oxfordshire Teacher Training – training up to 150 teachers annually.
RLT is considered a ‘mixed MAT’, including both maintained and Church of England schools. A quarter of Trustees and Members are appointed by the Oxford Anglican Diocese. The Trust serves a broad demographic, spanning both urban and rural communities, and educates approximately 16,000 pupils, with around 3,000 staff.
Socioeconomic diversity is significant, with areas of high deprivation particularly in East Oxford and Swindon.
The Trust serves a diverse student population with 22.9% eligible for Free School Meals and 20.8% identified with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND), reflecting a strong focus on inclusive and supportive education.
Students from minority ethnic backgrounds make up 60% of the cohort, contributing to a culturally rich learning environment. Additionally, 18.7% speak English as an Additional Language (EAL), highlighting the importance of language support across schools.
These demographics shape the Trust’s commitment to equity, tailored support, and high expectations for all learners.
The Trust Board consists of 10 Trustees and five members – the latter akin to the shareholder role – with an ongoing process to strengthen Board expertise. RLT is currently seeking a new Trustee with legal expertise to enhance governance, policy scrutiny, and risk management.
The Trust maintains several Schemes of Delegation to govern its operations effectively, including tailored schemes for Church schools and its teaching/training arms. Governance is supported by a Lead Governance Professional, a Director of Finance, and a team of Directors of School Improvement. Safeguarding is a key priority, with regular audits and a dedicated Trustee lead.
RLT manages an annual income of approximately £100 million. The 2023/24 financial outturn was in line with expectations. Schools remained within their budgets, and the external audit confirmed sound financial management and compliance. Reserves meet DfE guidelines. Like many Trusts, RLT faces ongoing challenges, particularly regarding SEND funding and staff recruitment and retention.
The Trust’s Requirements
The Trust is seeking a legally trained individual to bring legal insight and expertise into its strategic policy and governance framework. This role involves analysing audit outcomes, reviewing data, and contributing to the development and implementation of risk mitigation strategies. The goal is to enhance the Trust’s decision-making processes and ensure that legal considerations are embedded at all levels of governance.
While the geographic location of the candidate is flexible, a connection to the Swindon area would be particularly welcomed. The appointment will play a critical role in supporting the Trust’s ongoing governance review and will contribute to strengthening Board capacity as the organisation maintains its current size and strategic direction.
Trustees are expected to commit to five Board meetings per year, along with termly sub-committee meetings. These meetings are held in the evenings and are a mix of in-person and remote formats. In addition, each Trustee is linked to two or three academies within the Trust, fostering meaningful relationships with school leadership teams. A structured induction programme is in place for new Trustees, which includes formal training, school visits, and engagement with senior Trust leaders.
The work of the Board is supported by several key committees, including:
- Impact Committee
- Resources Committee (covering Finance and Audit)
- Safeguarding Committee
Additionally, there is an Annual Trustee Strategy Day focusing on long-term planning and reflection.
River Learning Trust operates according to core principles that shape its strategy and culture: a commitment to Excellence, a belief in Everyone Learning, and a foundation of Respectful Relationships. These values guide the Trust’s ambition to deliver academic success and personal development for every pupil, ensure no school stands still in its improvement journey, foster high-quality collaboration that raises standards and reduces workload, and build a culture of joint accountability across all its schools.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.